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Veterans Day activities to honor service men, women

Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 5:01 PM

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the Armistice that ended fighting in World War I  the war to end all wars  was signed.

While the peace did not last, the date gained recognition throughout the Western world. Originally, the date was marked as Armistice Day, but when losses mounted in the many wars that followed, the name was changed to allow all soldiers from all wars to be honored.

In America, the day usually is marked with parades, ceremonies, quotes and speeches  and a moment of silence  to honor those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their nations in the two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Falklands, Lebanon, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq. Dignitaries gather to place wreaths on the tombs of unknown soldiers who rest in anonymous honor as a symbol of all who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The Durango/La Plata Senior Center will honor veterans during the lunch hour Friday with a brief ceremony. All veterans are welcome to attend. Remember that you must call in and make a lunch reservation if you wish to have lunch at the senior center. Reservations can be made by calling the senior center at 382-6445 before 9 a.m. Friday.

La Plata County veterans and veterans service organizations will march in the annual Veterans Day parade starting at 1 p.m. Sunday on Main Avenue in Durango. The service organizations will host open houses after the parade.

All are welcome to attend these annual celebrations on behalf of our nations veterans.

Richard Schleeter is the veterans service officer for the La Plata County Veterans Service Office. He can be reached at 759-0117 or schleeterrs@co.laplata.co.us.

For more information

The La Plata County Veterans Service Office provides information and assistance to veterans and their families.

For more information, visit the county website at www.co.laplata.co.us and type veterans services in the search window. The Veterans Service Office and the Durango VA Clinic are located at 1970 East Third Ave. The office phone number is 759-0117.